Revolving target



Jan. 1952 c. E. LAUTERBACH 2,580,799

REVOLVING TARGET Filed June 10, 1949 g g L5 Q TARGET PLATE /6 ADJUJTAELE J'TAIVOARD /0 FOUL LINE 32 C/RCUAAR PLA VIA/6 F /E L 0 3 0 INVENTOR: OMRLLS 5. 140752546,

Patented Jan. 1, 1 952 REVOLVING TARGET Charles E. Lauterbach, Pasadena, Calif.

Application June 10,1949, SerialNd. 58,282

. 3 Claims. (01. 273-105) This invention relates to ball games and provides a novel game and apparatus therefor. The

game is adapted particularly for playgrounds,

but it may be played on any type of field and affords a number of advantages over conventional ball games from the standpoints of both players and spectators.

Most ball games, for example, tennis, basketball, football, soccer, etc., are played on a rectangular field between end zones. The game of the present invention has, in effect, only a single goal which should be disposed at or near the center of the field. This offers a number of advantages. Play is directed inward, thus reducing out-of-bounds plays which slow up the game and cut down the fun. The attention of spectators is directed toward a single goal equally visible from any position, so that there are no end seats. parent in the light of the following description of the invention.

The goal apparatus of the invention comprises a standard adapted for mounting in an upright position on a playing field, a target plate disposed above the standard with its major surfaces upright and mounted'on the standard so as to rotate on a substantially vertical axis passing through the target plate and preferably through its center. A target is disposed in the approximate center of the target plate. Preferably the target is an orifice of sufficient size to permit a ball, say one about eight inches in diameter, to pass through freely. However, other types of targets can be employed. Thus gongs can be mounted on both sides of the plate, each giving a different tone when struck.

The standard or support of the goal apparatus is preferably a vertical member firmly fixed in the ground with a telescoping sleeve which slides inside or outside the member, means being provided for clamping the target plate at any suitable height. In other words, the height of the target plate above the playing field preferably is adjustable.

The target plate preferably is circular and may be made of wood, metal or any other suitable material. Conveniently it is about three feet in diameter, the target itself being a central round orifice approximately twelve inches in diameter. assuming that the play is conducted with a ball similar to a volley ball, approximately eight inches in diameter.

Opposite sides of the target plate should be marked differently so as to be clearly distinguishable. Thus one side of the target plate may be These and other advantages will be ap painted one color, say yellow, and the other side painted another color, say blue. 1' I As indicated above, means should be provided to permit the target plate to rotate on a vertical axis passing through the plane of the plate and preferably through its center. A convenient means of accomplishing this rotation is to provide a ball or roller bearing at the top of. the standard, with the target plate mounted thereon.

The goal apparatus preferably is mounted in the center of a playing field,-a circular playing field being preferred. 7

The game is played by two'teams, one of which endeavors to strike the target on one side of the target plate while the other endeavors to strike the target on the other side of the plate. These and other aspects of the invention will be "more clearly understood in the light of the followin detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is an elevationshowing a preferred form of the goal apparatus of the inventiom-and Fig; 2 is a perspective view showing the goal apparatus of Fig. I mounted in a preferred form 'ofcircular playing field.

Referring to the drawings and particularly to Fig. 1, the goal apparatus comprisesa standard H3 consisting of a pipe I l firmly set in the ground I2 of the playing field. A second pipe (or rod) I3 is telescoped inside the main pipe H and is slidable therein except when locked in position by a lock screw l 4 provided with a hand wheel l5.

A circular target plate l6 about three feet in diameter is disposed vertically and centrally above the standard and is rotatable about the vertical axis ll of the standard Ill. The target consists of a circular central orifice I 8 about twelve inches in diameter. The target plate is mounted on a ball bearing l9 disposed at the top of the standard so that it rotates freely around the vertical axis. If desired, the lower portion of the target plate may be reinforced with additional plates 20 which serve to fasten the target plate to the bearing.

Preferably, the goal apparatus is mounted atthe center of a circular playing field 30 (see Fig. 2)

which should be sixty or eighty feet in diameter.

A small circular area 3| outlined by a foul line 32 is concentric with the standard and preferably has a radius of about five feet. This area is considered foul territory.

The game preferably played on the playing field of Fig. 2 with its rotatable goal apparatus in the center may be called Target ball. A single ball (not shown) is employed. In using the goal apparatus of Fig. 1 it is desirable to employ an inflated ball approximately eight inches in diameter, similar to a volley ball and having a pebbled surface to permit ready grasping.

The game is played by two teams which may each consist of any number. Convenientl there are seven men on a side and these may be, for purposes of description, designated as "lookouts," sharp-shooters," and rangers. Their respective goals are. determined by the colors on opposite sides of the target plate. Thus, the Blue team attempts to put the ball through the target orifice from the blue side while the Yellow team attempts to put the ball through the target orifice from the yellow side.

In the preferred game, the ball may be thrown,

passed, dribbled, rolled, but not kicked.

The purpose of the game is to make as many "bulls eyes or goals as possible by throwing.- the ball through the target orifice from the correct 'side; But a bail passing through-from the blue side of the target scores for the blue team irrespective of who threw the ball, and vice versa.

The goal apparatus is so constructed that the target plate rotates easily and rapidly when struct eccentrically. This brings about an almost constant. shifting of the position of the goal apparatus and makes for frequent and exciting changes in play. In consequence, the game develops a high degree of skill, quick decisions and good team work. 1

With a playing field sixty or eighty feet in diameter it is desirable to mount the target plate so that its center is about nine and one half feet above ground. However, in the preferred form of the apparatus the standard is adjustable with respect to height and the-target plate may be disposed higher or lower depending upon the size. of the playing field and. the age, size and sex of the players.

The game just described is only one of a numher which can be played with the goal apparatus of the invention. It is desirable, but not essential, that the playing field be circular and that the goal apparatus be placed at its cen-.

ter. If desired, two goals may be employed but this eliminates some of the advantages, since the attention of the spectators is not centered at a single point.

I claim:

1. In a goal apparatus for a ball game, the

combination which comprises a standard adapted for mounting in an upright position on a playing field, a target plate having its opposite sides marked differently and disposed above the standard with its major surfaces upright and mounted on the standard so as to rotate freely on a substantially vertical axis passing through the center oi! the target plate... and a, target disposed in the approximate center of the target plate.

' 2. In a goal apparatus for a ball game, the combination which comprises a standard adapted for mounting in an upright position on a playing field, a target plate disposed above the standard with its major surfaces upright and each of a different color and mounted on the standard so as to rotate freely on a substantially vertical axis, and a target orifice disposed in the approximate center of the target, plate.

3. In a goal apparatus for a ball game, the combination which comprises a standard adapted for mounting in an upright position on a playing field, a round target platev disposed above the standard with its major surfaces 111 right and differently colored and mounted on, the standard and freely rotatable on a substantially vertical axis passing through its center, the target plate having a round target orifice disposed in the approximate center of the target plate.

CHARLES E. LAUTERBACH.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record i the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 268,895 Hoar Dec. 12, 1882 507,098 Bates 1 Oct, 24, 1893 722,359 Fowler V Mar. 10, 1,903

1,211,379 Maisch Jan. 2, 1917 1,549,848 Sexton Aug. 18, 1925 1,873,211 Nekuda Aug. 23, 1932 2,021,989 De Master Nov. 26, 193 

